A radiologist has been forced to go on leave in the second health scare to hit breast cancer patients in as many days, it was confirmed tonight.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) said a review is being carried out into the work of the consultant based in the Midland Regional Hospital at Portlaoise.
The HSE said the midlands based consultant has been placed on administrative leave for the duration of the review, which is expected to take a month. It stressed any patients affected by the outcome will be contacted directly.
"Pending the outcome of the external review, all mammography and breast ultrasound work will be carried out at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin," said a spokeswoman.
"The HSE wishes to reassure patients there is no need for concern."
Meanwhile, a team is being appointed to carry out an independent review of clinical care of patients at the private Barringtons Hospital. It follows concerns raised by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) over the adequacy of the management and care of 10 women who attended the breast disease services at the site since 2003.
That investigation was sparked earlier this month when it emerged a 51-year-old woman was twice misdiagnosed and given the all-clear at the centre. The tests were carried out at Barringtons Hospital and sent to the laboratory at University College Hospital, Galway (UCHG) for analysis in September 2005 and March 2007.